Democrat Proposes Anti-Gay Marriage Constitutional Amendment

Mississippi Democrat "Lead Sponsor" On Measure Not Expected to Advance

May 15, 2002

(WASHINGTON, DC) – A coalition of largely African American leaders joined a Mississippi Democratic Member of Congress today to announce the introduction of a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

Congressman Ronnie Shows (D-MS) joined leaders of the "Alliance for Marriage" at a Capitol Hill press conference to announce the introduction at its lead sponsor. The group boasted of "strong bi-partisan support" for the measure, however it was announced that the measure has six co-sponsors – three Democrats and three Republicans.

"This measure should not be taken seriously by Members of Congress of either party," said Rich Tafel, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans. "It is unlikely to advance in this or any Congress, nor should it be allowed to advance. It is merely a fundraising ploy by people on the extreme end of the political spectrum at the expense of more serious and important issues facing our nation."

A constitutional amendment requires 2/3 passage in both the House and Senate, and must be ratified by 3/4 of the states, an extremely rare event, and unlikely prospect for this measure. Democrats and Republicans expressed opposition to it in 2001 when the "Alliance for Marriage" began an internet campaign to promote its efforts.